Motorcycle Insurance Quotes in Lutz, FL

Linda Christy, Agent

813-949-2995

Motorcycle Insurance

Ideal weather and scenic views make Lutz an exceptional place to ride motorcycles. GreatFlorida Insurance wants every biker to enjoy the adventure of riding whether you are an enthusiast or a novice. Being out on the open road in Lutz can leave you exposed to bad weather conditions and drivers not watching for cyclists. GreatFlorida Insurance can offer you an affordable motorcycle policy to protect you and your ride in Lutz.

Do you need Motorcycle Insurance?

YES! It's as critical as wearing a helmet.

Motorcyclists know there's risk involved every time they hop on their bikes, but that doesn't stop them from revving up their engines to feel the wind on their face and the rush of a good ride.

In addition to protective gear like helmets, there are precautions that you can take with you on every ride. You'll never even know they're there—that is, until you need them.

What is included in my motorcycle insurance coverage?

Bodily injury liability coverage: When you're involved in an accident, the first thoughts you have undoubtedly involve assessing if you're injured followed by wondering if the other person (people) involved are injured.

If you do injure or kill someone or if you need projection in a lawsuit against you, this type of coverage will protect you.

Collision coverage: Accidents may cause damage to your motorcycle. Regardless of whether that damage is your fault or not, you will be protected when you have collision coverage included in your policy.

Accessories coverage: Most comprehensive policies include coverage for your accessories. When this type of damage occurs (including damage to your helmet), this coverage will pay it.

Comprehensive physical damage coverage: Sometimes damage occurs from something other than an accident, such as theft or vandalism. GreatFlorida Insurance can provide policies that cover these damages too.

Unisured/underinsured motorists coverage: Unfortunately, not everyone carries motorcycle insurance. When you are hit by someone who doesn't carry insurance, you'll still be projected when you have uninsured/underinsured motorists coverage in your policy.

Do I need motorcycle insurance under Florida law?

Florida law does not require motorcycle insurance. However, if you are charged with an accident that causes injuries, you will be required to obtain insurance (if there was no prior policy in place).

What types of medical coverage exist?

Choose between medical payments, no-fault or personal injury protection coverage for you and your passengers.

What types of motorcycles are covered?

GreatFlorida Insurance can create a custom policy for you regardless of the type of bike you ride. From moped insurance to scooter insurance to trike insurance to dirt bike insurance to motocross insurance, Harley-Davidson Insurance, there is a policy to fit every biker's needs.

They store our calendars and photos, provide access to our favorite stores and emails. Checking our cell phones on a regular basis has become a habit for many. However, the lure of instant information is an unhealthy attachment and cell phone addiction is real.

A poll conducted by the non-profit, Common Sense Media found 50 percent of teens feel like they are addicted to their mobile devices, with 78 percent admitting to checking their devices at least hourly. Nevertheless, this is not only a teen problem. The study reports 27 percent of adults feel they are addicted to their mobile devices with 69 percent checking them at least hourly.

What is wrong with a cell phone habit?

Countless studies show too much time on your cell phone is bad for your focus and mental health. “Most people check their phone every 15 minutes or less, even if they have no alerts or notifications,” Larry Rosen a psychology professor and author of The Distracted Mind, tells CNBC. “We’ve built up this layer of anxiety surrounding our use of technology, that if we don’t check it as often as we think we should, we’re missing out.”

Additional health issues that can develop from cell phone addiction include, poor posture which affects your spine respiratory functions and even emotions. Also, sleep. The blue light emitted from your phone can stop melatonin production in your body. Melatonin is the hormone that makes us feel sleepy and regulates out circadian rhythm. Sleep is essential to our health, especially the health of teens who are still developing.

“Aside from health and mental health problems, cell phone use continues when many drivers get behind the wheel,” reminds Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s top independent auto insurance agency.

Nearly half of adults in the U.S. admit to reading or sending a text while driving. Almost one in three teens ages 16 to 17-years-old said they have texted while driving.

How to ween yourself and your family?

Below are some tips on how to disconnect from your cell phone.

Do not sleep with your phone. If you need an alarm clock, buy one. Do not depend on your phone. Place it away from your nightstand or bed.

Stop alert notifications. Designate a time to check in and stick to it.

Utilize the “Do Not Disturb” setting on your iPhone or place your phone to the airplane setting for a break from screen time.

When spending time with your friends and family, put it away so you won’t see it or hear it.

Try a detox. Set aside a weekend or holiday where you turn the phone off and put it away. Do not pick it up for a couple of days.

Most people do not look forward to filing taxes, especially with a new tax law in place for the first time in decades. Those changes can induce confusion and stress. This will be the last year for several tax credits as well as the beginning to benefit from some new ones.

Several tax credits are eliminated for the 2018 tax year. However, they are still available for your 2017 tax return. “This will be the last year to take advantage of some deductions, so it’s important not to miss out on them,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent homeowners insurance agency.

Investing information company, The Motley Fool, reports this will be the last year to take advantage of the following tax breaks.

Personal exemptions

Property tax deductions

Mortgage interest deduction on home equity loans

Moving expenses

Unreimbursed employee expenses

Tax preparation fees

Investment-related legal and accounting fees

Job search costs

While several tax breaks will expire after this year, there are new ones are available for this year’s returns. “This year is unique with overlapping changes, so make sure your taxes are filed correctly, to avoid overpaying the IRS,” warns Buck Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s top independent homeowners insurance agency. Error rates for returns filed on paper are at 21 percent, while error rates for those filed electronically are less than one percent.

Some changes in tax deductions and credits are listed below.

Tax brackets expand. According to personal finance resource, GOBankingRates, “the federal income tax system uses a progressive tax structure, meaning that as you earn more income, your tax rate goes up as well.”

The Standard deduction, will experience a slight increase.

Health savings account– an increase to the contribution limit.

Earned income tax credit– the maximum income you can have while still qualifying for the EITC increased for each filing status. Also, you can have up to $3, 450 of investment income annually while still qualifying for the EITC.

An appeal of Florida’s current No-Fault/Personal Injury Protection(PIP) system for auto insurance, is gaining momentum this legislative session. The Florida House voted 88-15 to repeal the State’s PIP system.

“For some time, Florida lawmakers have argued over eliminating PIP and replacing it with a fault-based system,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent auto insurance company.

The Senate proposal (SB 150) would replace the PIP system in 2019 requiring all drivers to carry bodily injury coverage of $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident as well as mandatory medical payment coverage(MedPay), of $5,000. Coverage would increase to $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident after three years. Under the Senate bill, Florida drivers could see and increase or decrease depending on the area they live. Opponents of the Senate bill are concerned about the cost increase to drivers. They also believe requiring mandatory medical payments is unnecessary for those with current health insurance plans.

No-Fault auto insurance was designed to reduce litigation across the state by creating money for anyone injured in a crash. Unfortunately, it created a flood of lawsuits which lawmakers hope to eradicate with the repeal. Since Florida’s adoption of a No-Fault system, fraudulent claims have cost the state a tremendous amount of money. In a report from The Division of Insurance Fraud, they found a 275% increase in fraud auto claims between 2007-2012. In 2012, duplicitous auto claims cost the state over $1 billion, driving the cost of insurance premiums higher for Florida drivers.

The fall beckons riders to come out and explore Florida’s scenic roads on their bikes. With cooler, less humid temperatures, sightseeing is more comfortable. You can select beautiful rides up and down the coastline or go for a curvy, wooded ride on less crowded backroads.

“If you are in the market for a new motorcycle this is a tempting time of year to make a purchase,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent motorcycle insurance agency.

In the event that you are looking for a new ride or just an enthusiast, each year Motorcyclist, complies a list of their top picks in motorcycles. Winners are based on the quality and performance of hardware, technological advancements, shifts in the industry, new genres of bikes, products and companies, as well as motorcycling as a whole. Below is their list of 2016 winners.

Motorcycle of the Year-Triumph Street Twin

A successful redesign has updated this bike making it modern while maintaining its authenticity. This is also a top pick from Popular Mechanics for its stronger engine and improved chassis. A wonderful entry level street bike with an affordable price of $8,700 fully equipped. Light and agile making it easy to manage.

Sportbike-Yamaha YZF-R1

The Yamaha was, “Picked for its sweet handling and ease of ride.” While it might not be the most powerful, Motorcyclist calls it a, “technological marvel” with the most advanced electronics available. The Yamaha is easy to ride, provides excellent handling, offers lots of adjustability, with an easy to use interface.

ADV Bike– BMW R1200GS Adventure

Notably a big bike, sporting a 35- inch seat height and weighing 593 pounds with a full tank. Despite the heavy weight, it offers good aerodynamics, light handing, impressive breaks and an electronically adjustable suspension. Also, a particularly excellent U-turn radius in the tightest of space.

Sport Touring Bike– BMW R1200RT

Luxury and comfort. The BMW has relaxing ergonomics, a big dashboard, an adjustable 32-inch high saddle, a low center of gravity and a slim mid-section making it easy to reach the pavement. Also included is an electronically adjustable windshield, suspension and power locks along with heated passenger accommodations.

Touring Bike-Indian Roadmaster

Motorcyclist notes the Roadmaster is defined by its, refined brakes and suspension. Not holding out on features, it also has a strong engine and classic American styling.

Best Cruiser-Harley Davidson Low Rider S

Also chosen as a top 2016 bike by Cycle World, “It has great brakes, a magnificently strong 110ci V-twin, ultra-fine-shifting six-speed gearbox, and rubber engine mounts that let that rich thump reach your body and soul in just the right amount.”

Best Bang for Your Buck– Yamaha F207

This is considered a great bike for beginners and experts. A good value with an MSRP$6,990. 400 pounds with a full tank, it has 66 horsepower and 45 pound-feet of torque.

“Getting a good deal on a bike certainly helps with replacement costs but it should never keep you from getting adequate motorcycle insurance,” says Buck with GreatFlorida Insurance. “You want to protect your bike and also yourself.”

Other winners chosen by Motorcyclist include:

Naked Bike-KTM 1290 Super Duke R, for its volume of power.

Dual Sport-Husqvarna 701 Enduro, it adequately handles the dirt and street although a little heavy.

Dreambike– Honda RC213V-S, limited availability and a price tag of around $200,000 this 215 horsepower bike is just street legal.

“Florida law does not require motorcycle insurance,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent motorcycle insurance agency. “Motorcycle insurance is not required however, if a motorcyclist is charged in an accident, then they are financially responsible for injuries and property damage.”

AAA estimates the economic cost to society for each motorcycle death is $1.48 million. These costs include; lost productivity, medical costs, legal and court fees, emergency services, insurance administration costs along with property damage and workplace losses.

The helmet law is not without its controversies. In Florida, 32 percent of motorcyclists do not think they should be required to wear a helmet when riding. “Since the repeal of the helmet law in Florida, motorcycle fatalities have more than doubled,” said Karen Morgan, Public Policy Manager, AAA.

The NHTSA estimates that helmets saved the lives of 1,630 motorists in Florida in 2013. They believe if all motorcyclists wore helmets, an additional 715 lives could have been saved.

This year’s Florida legislative session was filled with hostility and drama. The standard 60-day session ended three days early due to contention between the House and Senate on Medicaid Expansion. Without a state budget passed, a Special Session was called June 1 -20. An early end to the session, along with a stalemate, doomed many bills. This year there were many proposal casualties.

PASSED – NEW LAWS

Ticket quotas cannot be used to generate revenue for police departments.

States, counties and cities can only buy American made flags- a patriotic move

Attention craft beer lovers, 64 ounces of beer, known as “growlers” can finally be sold in Florida.

Drones cannot take pictures on private property; violators will not be arrested but can be sued.

Gay people can adopt children.

Florida school districts can start the school year as early as August 10.

Scale back testing in public schools

Tax cuts-about $400 million in tax cuts with sales tax holidays and a tax cut to cable, TV and cellphone services.

CASUALTIES

Comprehensive state water policy

Medicaid Expansion

Prison Reform

Texting while driving considered a primary offense

Abolishment of the death penalty

Equal pay for women on state contracts

Education– school choice, eliminating sales tax on student textbooks, mandatory uniforms for K-8, a minimum $50,000 salary for new teachers, concealed weapons to be carried by designated employees on school property in K-12 schools, ban on concealed weapons on college campuses

Undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver’s license.

Tupelo honey designated as the official state honey

Expansion of gambling- a victory for Disney and other’s wanting to maintain a family friendly state environment

Our knowledgeable agents have 115 offices located throughout Florida. Reliability is a must for our customers. We provide 24-hour service, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The right insurance coverage can give your clients peace of mind, knowing their investment is protected.

Motorcycles are an appealing mode of transportation for several reasons: they get nice gas mileage, they are affordable, you pay less with motorcycle insurance than with car insurance and you can ride in the High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane.

“Florida is a great state for riding motorcycles. It offers scenic back roads and picturesque coastline. The terrain is mostly flat with occasional curves and good corners,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance. The freedom you feel when you ride is a big draw, but this pleasure can come at a cost.

Motorcycle riders have the same rights and privileges as other drivers on the road. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents almost always end in injury leading to extensive medical attention. The Florida Department of Transportation, reports that a large number of motorcycle crashes come down to car drivers having poor speed and spatial judgement as well as drivers not seeing motorcyclists.

Motorists can help prevent motorcycle accidents by observing to the following tips:

Watch aggressively for motorcycles

Check blind spots

Do not share lanes with a motorcycle

Leave at least 4 seconds between your vehicle and the motorcycle ahead of you

Watch before turning left

Always use your signal before changing lanes

Being on a motorcycle will leave you more exposed than being in a car, leaving motorcycle riders more vulnerable on roadways. Some differences between cars and motorcycles include the following:

Motorcycles have no restraints or seatbelts

Motorcycles weigh much less than other vehicles

Motorcycles are small and slim making it difficult for other drivers to see, especially when they are in a blind spot.

Motorcycles are more vulnerable to road obstructions and impediments such as road debris, pot holes and puddles.

Motorcycles are less stable than a car and require a rider to constantly maintain balance.

When riding a motorcycle your body parts such as skin, face and joints are exposed, so even in a minor accident they can suffer painful injuries.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC reports, motorcyclist involved in an accident experience common injuries such as bone fractures and most commonly broken legs. Other injuries are numerous and can include: wrist, arm, shoulder and pelvis fractures, road rash or skin abrasions, ranging from mild to severe. Also, head and traumatic brain injuries. While wearing a helmet can reduce injuries, this is the leading cause of death and disability in motorcycle accidents.